"Oblivion Designer Praises Bethesda's Remaster as 'Oblivion 2.0'"

Bruce Nesmith, the senior game designer behind the original The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, has expressed his awe at Bethesda and Virtuos' work on the newly released Oblivion Remastered, suggesting that the term "remaster" might not fully encapsulate the extent of the enhancements made. In a recent interview with VideoGamer, Nesmith highlighted the immense effort that went into the original 2006 RPG, and praised the comprehensive reimagining of Cyrodiil in the remastered version.

Despite no prior official announcement from Bethesda, the launch of Oblivion Remastered has left fans impressed with its extensive changes, from visual enhancements to significant gameplay adjustments. New features like a sprint mechanic and modifications to the leveling system have led many to consider it more of a remake than a remaster, a sentiment echoed by Nesmith himself.

“It's such a massive overhaul, it almost deserves its own term,” Nesmith remarked. “Calling it a remaster doesn’t seem to do it justice. The closest thing to categorize it would be 'Oblivion 2.0.'”

As fans celebrate the efforts poured into Oblivion Remastered, Bethesda provided insights into their naming choice for this RPG re-release via a social media statement. The studio emphasized their intention was not to remake Oblivion but to enhance the beloved experience for both returning players and newcomers, maintaining its core essence.

“We know our long-time fans will be excited to return to Oblivion and Cyrodiil,” the statement from Bethesda read. “But we also want to welcome those who have never played before. Your support over the years means the world to us. Our goal with this remaster is to ensure that whether you're a veteran or a newcomer, stepping out of the Imperial sewer feels like a fresh experience.”

Oblivion Remastered was shadow-dropped by Bethesda and is now available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can access it at no additional cost. The remaster has sparked renewed interest in the Elder Scrolls community, particularly among modders. For those eager to dive in, we offer a detailed guide covering everything from an expansive Interactive Map to complete Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and Guild Quests, tips on building the perfect character, and much more.